Elias Khoury Libri

Lebanon's definitive national epic - a tale of sibling rivalry, civil war and betrayal by perhaps the finest living Arabic novelist,

In a makeshift hospital in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Beirut, Yunis, an aging Palestinian freedom fighter, lies in a coma. His spiritual son Dr Khaleel --- who has no real medical qualifications - nurses the older man, refusing to admit that his hero may never regain consciousness.

Lit by the sublime beauty and tragedy of classical Arabic poetry, a Palestinian falafel seller in New York sets out to shape fragments of his family history Weaving history, memory, and poetry, this unforgettable novel—and the 1st book in a trilogy—provides a sprawling memorial to the Nakba and the strangled lives left in its wake. Long exiled in New York, Palestinian ex-pat Adam Dannoun thought he knew himself. But an encounter with Blind Mahmoud, a father figure from his childhood, changes everything. It is when Adam encounters his former teacher that Adam discovers the story he must tell. Ma’moun’s testimony brings Adam back to the first years of his life in the ghetto of Lydia, in Palestine, where his family endured thirst, hunger, and terror in the aftermath of unspeakable horror. With unmatched literary craft and empathy, Khoury peels away layers of lost stories and repressed memories to unveil Adam’s story. Oscillating between two narrators—the self-reflexive "Elias Khoury" and Adam himself—Children of the Ghetto: My Name is Adam engages real (and invented) scholarly texts, Khoury’s own work, and Adam’s lost notebooks in an intertextual account of a life shadowed by atrocity.

A moving novel about Palestine's Calamity, for readers of Amos Oz and Orhan Pamuk - by the finest living Arabic novelist

Exploring the power of dreams as a means of escaping oppression, this work serves as a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. The author, known for the acclaimed "Gate of the Sun," delves into themes of hope and liberation, inviting readers to reflect on the importance of dreams in overcoming adversity. Through evocative storytelling, the narrative highlights the transformative potential of imagination in the face of struggle.

The investigation into Khalil Ahmad Jaber's death unfolds through the perspectives of various individuals connected to him, including his widow and a local engineer. As a journalist interviews these witnesses, the narrative delves into the traumatic impact of Lebanon's civil war on its citizens. Elias Khoury skillfully portrays the psychological scars left by the conflict, highlighting both the devastation and the resilience of the people of Beirut. The story not only seeks to uncover the truth behind Jaber's demise but also reflects on the broader human experience in wartime.

Khoury captures the essence of Beirut, portraying it as a vibrant and resilient city through his unique narrative style. The book draws parallels with literary giants from other cities, emphasizing Beirut’s rich cultural landscape and complex history. It invites readers to explore the city's beauty and struggles, showcasing its significance in the literary world.

Set against the backdrop of the Lebanese Civil War, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of three distinct characters: a Joint Forces fighter, a troubled civil servant, and a complex figure embodying both a fighter and an intellectual. Elias Khoury's poetic and incisive prose captures the turmoil of Beirut, exploring themes of conflict and fragmented identity, offering a profound commentary on the impact of war on personal and collective lives.

Award-winning author Elias Khoury's latest novel is a searing look at truth and memory, love and trancendence, told through the contradictory confessions of a young Lebanese prisoner During the Lebanese civil war in the 1980s, a young man is arrested and charged with rape. Repeatedly interrogated and tortured, Yalo is forced--like Scheherazade--to tell a different story each day to stay alive. As he battles to understand his past and the forces that have shaped him, he comes to discover his own voice and the true Yalo begins to emerge. This is a searing look at truth and memory, love and transcendence, from one of our most important Arab novelists.

Exploring themes of exile, dislocation, and identity, this work by Elias Khoury delves deeper into the complexities of personal and collective experiences. Originally published in Arabic in 1981 and later in English in 1993, it showcases Khoury's developing narrative style, which culminates in his acclaimed epic, Gate of the Sun. The book reflects the author's journey in articulating the struggles of those caught between worlds.